What should I study?
Some people have always known they want to study, and they also know exactly what subject they would like to study. Others, on the other hand, have no idea what they should – or could – study. In these circumstances, it is sensible to think about a general field of interest first of all, rather than search for a particular subject straight away. The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself some basic questions:
What do I really enjoy?
This is the question you should ask yourself first of all, separately from any future job aspirations and career prospects. After all, the decision you make about the subject you want to study will probably affect the rest of your life. So you should make sure that you study something you enjoy.
What are my interests?
Are you interested in lots of things? Then try to combine several different interests. For example, if you are interested in foreign cultures, geography, and politics, you may find the area of development cooperation very interesting.
What are my talents?
Sometimes your interests do not match your particular talents and vice versa. For example, if you are interested in medicine but have little aptitude for natural science subjects, you need to consider carefully whether you really want to study medicine.
What field do I want to study in?
After careful consideration, you should have an idea of the general area you would like to study in. Exploring several areas of study that interest you would be even more useful. Your thoughts might also have led you to imagine starting a teacher training programme or studying for a degree in the healthcare field.
What happens next?
Now you have to take the next step and decide what specific subject you want to study. You are certain to need some help at this point and will want to know what higher education institutions and qualifications you should consider. The next step will almost inevitably lead you to the student advice service. Open house days, opportunities to study for a trial period, and orientation tests can also help you choose what subject to study.
